2014 witnessed some of the best performances by many Test batsmen. More than 15 batters from all the Test playing nations averaged more than 50 in the Tests they featured in. When it comes to Test debutants (only batters) this year, England’s Gary Ballance and New Zealand’s Tom Latham stole the show. Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batsmen Sarfraz Ahmed was the most improved Test batsmen this year. Mahela Jayawardene, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith and Murali Vijay were also bloody good this year but, following 5 players were actually the best Test batsmen of the year:
5. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) 11 matches, 1486 runs @78.21, 4 hundreds
The Sri Lankan stalwart has been in the form of his life from quite a long time. Whether it is a Test or an ODI, he scores runs on almost every occasion. This year, Sri Lanka played Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and Pakistan (one match against New Zealand is still left) and Sangakkara scored against all of them. Against Bangladesh, he scored a triple hundred and against Pakistan a double hundred. In England also, he scored a fighting hundred at Lord’s. Seeing the form he is in, it would great for Sri Lanka if he maintains the same in the World Cup and for the years to come, in which Sri Lanka will re-build their Test side.
4. Brendon McCullum (NZ) 8 matches, 969 runs @64.60, 3 hundreds
The New Zealand captain showed us real the meaning of ‘daddy hundreds’ this year. Total of two double hundreds and one triple hundred! In the two match Test series against India this year, McCullum scored a double century in the first match to guide his team to victory. In the second match, New Zealand were reeling at 94/5 in the second innings and were still 152 runs behind India’s first innings lead. In most cases, a team would have lost the match from here, but McCullum did what actually was unbelievable. He scored a triple-hundred and his crucial partnerships with the other centurions of the match James Neesham and BJ Watling sealed a draw for New Zealand.
His other double century came against Pakistan at Sharjah just a month back. The way he rattled the Pakistan spin battery was a treat to watch. He single-handedly took the match away from Pakistan to help New Zealand win the match.
3. Younis Khan (PAK) 10 matches, 1213 runs @71.35, 6 hundreds
Pakistan’s Test mainstay at number four was in the mid of a controversy this year. After being dropped from the ODI series against Australia on no basis, he lashed out at the selectors publicly and even threatened to miss the Tests against Australia. But, he acted maturely and came all guns blazing in the Tests. Total of 468 runs in two Tests at an average of 156.00 with 3 hundreds speaks it all! Even in the Tests against New Zealand, Younis performed extremely well and made a case for himself for the World Cup. If selected, his form and temperament will be crucial to Pakistan’s chances at the mega event.
2. David Warner (AUS) 8 matches, 1096 runs @68.50, 6 hundreds
Australia’s little ripper! This year we saw the best of him in Tests. Total of 6 hundreds throughout the year (with Melbourne Test still remaining), out of which, three came against South Africa, one against Pakistan and two against India. The great thing seen in Warner this year was that he valued his wicket 120 times more than he used to. Mentally, he was set to play the anchor role at the top-order. With tremendous stability provided by Chris Rogers at the other end, Warner could play his natural game. His hundred against Pakistan at Dubai was probably his best on a sub-continent wicket. With Ashes 2015 scheduled two months after the World Cup, Australia would hope Warner performs the way there like he did this year.
1. Angelo Mathews (SL) 11 matches, 1201 runs @92.38, 3 hundreds
Sri Lankan captain was at his very best this year. The talent he possesses, was clearly displayed this year. During the tour of England, in the second Test, Mathews made a gem of an innings to take his team out of trouble and help them register a Test series win in England. He scored 160 runs in the match. Even in the home series against South Africa, Mathews played some great innings and made it very hard for the South African bowlers to get him out. In Mahela Jayawardene’s last Test series, Mathews played some useful knocks and along with the team, gave Mahela a fitting farewell. The way he also lead the side was great and it can be said that Sri Lanka’s future is in good hands.
*Stats Updated till December 25th 2014
** Warner, Mathews, Sangakkara and McCullum are yet to play one more Test this year. So, their stats will change accordingly.